31 Dec
The Ministry of Commerce yesterday organized an online event to review its activities and tasks in 2020 and their future plans for 2021.
During the ceremony, Union Minister Dr Than Myint said that from March 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic affected health, economic and job sectors across the world. He added that the COVID-19 crisis also affected Myanmar’s economy, so it is necessary to think about how to remedy economic impacts and future plans.
Amidst many challenges posed by COVID-19 crisis, the Ministry could create the Trade Net 2.0 online platform, by using which importers and exporters can apply for export/import licences online, according to the Union Minister, who said that it is necessary to increase exports, as well as domestic trade, needs to be fast and efficient.
He pointed out that if illegal trade can be eradicated, exports/imports will be increased by a large percentage.
The Union Minister said that the government and private sector need to collaborate in order to strengthen the private sector effectively.
He called on employees of the ministry to pay great attention to policies of the government and strive to improve their capacities so that the ministry will be able to effectively contribute to the economic development of the country.
He said that in addition to the original duties, the ministry is responsible for the development of the private sector and special economic zones, processes related to “Ease of Doing Business”, and the establishment and implementation of the China-Myanmar border economic zone, so officials and staff members of the ministry need to enhance their management skills.
He also called on senior officials to encourage young officials and staff members to study relevant subjects. He said that senior officials need to listen to innovative ideas of young people, and on the other hand, young people need to follow the guidance of senior officials.
The Deputy Minister also delivered a speech, saying that his ministry is the one with the most contacts with the private sector and could provide efficient support to solve their problems. The participants, including the Union Minister, the Deputy Minister and the Permanent Secretary made discussions and suggestions in the videoconference.
MNA (Translated by Maung Maung Swe)
